High School Students and Ban on Speakers

As the parents of three sons who have attended Corona del Mar High School and have been in Michael Marino’s psychology class, we believe that John Nicoll and the school board need to reconsider the decision to ban homosexual speakers from the classroom.

We feel strongly that, in addition to the home, the classroom is an important place for this subject to be addressed. By providing a structured environment in which students can ask questions about both the feelings and the experiences of the gay speakers, the school creates a forum that is not available elsewhere.

At the very same time that the city of Laguna Beach is experiencing gang violence against homosexuals, it is vital that we as parents and as educators teach our children respect for all people. Respect grows out of knowledge and understanding, and the best way to get that knowledge is by talking to these men and women whom Marino invites to speak.

High-quality education requires that students have access to all the facts, not just one point of view.

By acceding to the wishes of a small faction of parents, Newport-Mesa is denying all other students their right to this important educational experience. Parents who do not want their children to meet with the homosexual speakers have always been free to keep their children out of class during those sessions. We propose that the district return to that policy.

JEFF AND LINDA SCHULEIN

Newport Beach